MOBILE, Alabama -- The recruiting trail only offers a few brief breathers this time of year, and Gus Malzahn took advantage of a short break on Wednesday's trip to Mobile to take in a little practice.

In a stop that's becoming an annual tradition, Malzahn and wide receivers coach Dameyune Craig dropped by Ladd-Peebles Stadium to watch Auburn's four Senior Bowl representatives go through the South team's practice, taking time to chat with rival coaches and former players, sign autographs and snap a few pictures.

The turnaround Malzahn engineered last season -- taking the Tigers from 3-9 to the BCS National Championship Game -- opened a lot of doors on the recruiting trail.

"You have an opportunity to play for a national championship, that speaks volumes for your program," Craig said. "That puts you in a great position to go after some guys that you wouldn't normally have an opportunity to go after."

An extended dead period shortened the amount of time college coaches could use for the final push, and Auburn's staff has criss-crossed the country meeting with prospects over the past week.

"The guys are out on the road working extremely hard," Craig said.

Malzahn and Craig stopped in Mobile on Wednesday, an area that has produced three big-time recruits in St. Paul's linebacker Tre Williams and the Vigor duo of defensive end Justin Thornton and linebacker DeShaun Davis.

Under Malzahn, Auburn has been heavily focused on winning its in-state battles.

The South team practices for the Reese's Senior Bowl on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn, center, watches practice with South team place kicker Cody Parkey of Auburn (36) and South team punter Cody Mandell of Alabama (29). (Mike Kittrell/mkittrell@al.com)Mike Kittrell

"First of all, the state of Alabama is our priority," Malzahn said. "Obviously, Mobile is a big part of that."

Only two weeks remain until National Signing Day, the final answer on the Tigers' recruiting efforts. Two big weekends for official visitors still remain, and Auburn's coaching staff thrived last year in the final push to the big day.

And that was before the Tigers' magical turnaround season.

"Any time you have success, obviously, recruiting is easier, but like I said, it's been a good year," Malzahn said. "We've just got to finish it."